Four additional Florida colleges have accepted Governor Scott’s challenge to work to develop quality bachelor’s degree programs costing students no more than $10,000. To date, more than half of the 28 institutions in the Florida College System have announced support or interest in exploring the higher education affordability challenge.

Representatives from Brevard Community College, Northwest Florida State College, South Florida State College, and Chipola College have contacted the Florida Department of Education to accept the Governor’s challenge and identify which programs would be offered for $10,000 or less. Many of the programs would be in high-demand areas including information technology, business and organizational management, education, and engineering technology.

Governor Scott said, “We’ve challenged colleges to make school more affordable for students by creating the $10,000 degree challenge. It’s a real testament to Florida’s college system to see so many schools stepping up to the challenge, and I look forward to seeing even more schools work to make school more affordable for Florida families.”

“The Florida College System has a strong history of responding to state and community needs. I am encouraged to hear that even more colleges are accepting this challenge to improve access and affordability, making college a possibility for every Floridian,” said Chancellor of the Florida College System Randy Hanna. “We will be working with the legislature to move this program forward.”

Brevard Community College President Dr. Jim Richey responded that the plan is a perfect fit for the college’s mission to provide high-quality education and to keep costs low. “We’re strongly supportive of Governor Scott’s plan and intend to start examining four-year degrees that we could offer for $10,000 that would put more educational and career opportunities within the reach of more students,” said Richey. Brevard Community College has petitioned the State Board of Education to begin offering the first bachelor degree program in its history.

South Florida State College President Dr. Norm Stephens said the college was accepting the Governor’s challenge “with enthusiasm,” and added, “Our goal is to make it possible for any student to pursue a bachelor’s degree through SFSC for less than $10,000.”

“We look forward to working with the Governor and the Florida College System to make college even more accessible to the citizens of our district,” said Chipola College President Dr. Gene Prough.

“We are pleased to accept this challenge,” stated Northwest Florida State College President Ty Handy. “The college will have to work hard but we are committed to giving it our best shot.”